NC legislator who championed online sports betting resigns • NC Newsline

Rep. Jason Saine, a chief House budget writer who has served more than six terms, is resigning his seat. 

The NC Tribune was first to report Saine’s resignation. Saine told WRAL his resignation will become effective on Aug. 12. 

Saine was the force behind expanded gambling in the state. He worked for years to legalize online sports betting in North Carolina, which started on March 11 this year.  

The Lincoln County Republican was appointed to the House in 2011 to fill an unexpired term. He filed to run for reelection this year, and was unopposed.

To fill the seat, Gov. Roy Cooper will appoint the replacement the Lincoln County Republican Party executive committee chooses. 

The American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, lists Saine as one of four state chairs from North Carolina. 

Saine is the second legislator to announce his resignation since the General Assembly began its hiatus last month. 

Sen. Jim Perry of Lenoir County resigned earlier this month. Perry was co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Perry was appointed to the Senate in 2019. He decided not to run for reelection this year. 

While Sen. Perry’s resignation took effect in early July, Saine’s August departure means that he could take part in any veto overrides that are planned when the legislature reconvenes on July 29th.